What is a "skillcation", and why is it the hottest travel trend right now
General
What is a "skillcation", and why is it the hottest travel trend right now
Traditionally, the golden standard of a great vacation was packing a bag, flying to a scenic location, and spending a week doing absolutely nothing. Lately, though, there’s been a shift in the way we travel. Increasingly, travelers are trading passive sightseeing for active personal growth. This movement even has its own name: skillcation—a blend of talent cultivation and relaxation. If you’re ready to reinvent how you see the world, here are ten incredible skillcation experiences across the United States to start your next learning adventure.
Beekeeping in Michigan
For a gentler, nature-centered approach, the historic Inn at Stonecliffe on Mackinac Island, Michigan, invites travelers into the buzzing world of the honeybee. Led by local beekeepers, this experience allows guests to wear full protective gear and work on hives located in the property’s apple orchard.
You will learn the intricate dynamics of a hive, from the social hierarchy of worker bees to the science of how nectar is transformed into honey. In addition to acquiring a new skill, tasting raw honey right from the comb deepens your appreciation for local ecology and agricultural preservation.
Setting sail on the Chesapeake Bay
Infused by a rich maritime history, St. Michaels, Maryland, offers the ultimate classroom for anyone looking to learn the ropes of sailing. At the historic Inn at Perry Cabin, beginners can book the "Sailmate Experience," which provides private lessons directly on the Miles River and the expansive Chesapeake Bay.
Sailing requires a blend of mental focus and physical coordination. In a single weekend, you will learn the fundamentals of rigging (setting up the ropes and chains that support the mast and sails), basic navigation, tracking wind patterns, and steering the vessel. Learning how to adjust the mainsail and jib to harness the wind is a classic nautical skill that stays with you forever.
Regional music in Hawaii
Truly connecting with a destination sometimes means tuning into its unique culture. On the shores of Maui and Kauai, resorts like the Grand Wailea and the Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort encourage guests to take a piece of the authentic aloha spirit with them through traditional ukulele classes.
Guided by local musicians, in these lessons you will learn the history of the instrument, the meanings behind traditional songs, and the rhythmic patterns that define Hawaiian music. Returning home with the ability to strum a cheerful song ensures your connection to the islands stays alive long after your tan fades.
Learn to be a cowboy in Arizona
If you’ve ever dreamed of leaving modern life behind and stepping into the Old West, Scottsdale, Arizona, is the answer. The Arizona Cowboy College offers fully immersive ranching sessions designed to teach you exactly what it takes to live life as an authentic American cowboy or cowgirl.
From sunrise to sunset, you’ll be learning horse grooming, cattle management, roping, horseshoeing, and how to safely set up a traditional cow camp. Working closely with ranch experts forces you to slow down and develop a functional skill set.
Culinary arts in Las Vegas
We all know Las Vegas is famous for its entertainment, but it’s also a culinary capital of the world. In addition to eating at Michelin-starred restaurants, you can learn from the best chefs in the business.
At Paris Las Vegas, "The Bedford by Martha Stewart" offers curated cooking classes where guests work alongside culinary minds to perfect classic dishes. Over at the Wynn, the "Connoisseur Series" allows you to study under elite culinary figures who teach their distinct styles, from barbecue to Malaysian, Chinese, and American dishes.
Backcountry skiing in Montana
For advanced resort skiers looking to avoid chairlifts and crowded slopes, a backcountry skiing clinic is the ultimate winter skillcation. And the towering peaks of Montana are the perfect background for doing just that.
Based out of specialized mountain lodges near the Big Sky region, these courses focus on avalanche safety and snow science. You will learn how to read snow packs, use an avalanche beacon and probe, navigate uncharted terrain, and use traction strips to climb up mountains before skiing down pristine snow.
Drawing and painting in Joshua Tree
The dramatic landscape of Joshua Tree, California, has long drawn artists and musicians. The unique rock formations and surreal trees create a playground of colors, light, and shadows, making it a spectacular location for outdoor painting and drawing clinics.
Led by resident artists, these workshops teach you the principles of plein air painting. You will learn how to capture the changing hues of the desert sun and mix colors that reflect the sand and sagebrush. Spending hours quietly observing the desert landscape creates a mindful connection to the environment that camera photos simply can’t replicate.
Scuba diving in the Florida Keys
For an unforgettable underwater skillcation, head down to the Florida Keys. This group of islands is home to the only living coral reef barrier in the continental United States, making it the perfect backdrop to earn your scuba diving certification.
Acclaimed dive centers like Looe Key Reef Resort, Islamorada Dive Center, and Captain Hook’s Marina guide you through the process step-by-step. You’ll start with pool instructions to master breathing techniques and regulator safety, before advancing to open ocean dives. Graduating from a novice to a certified diver while swimming alongside sea turtles, eagle rays, and coral structures turns a standard beach vacation into a transformative experience.
Glassblowing in Burlington, Vermont
The shores of Lake Champlain, Burlington, Vermont, boast a thriving, creative community of world-class artisans. It’s also an ideal place to step into a hot shop and try your hand at the ancient craft of glassblowing.
Local glass studios offer intensive weekend workshops where you learn to work alongside a molten furnace operating at over 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Instructors teach you how to gather liquid glass onto a blowpipe, use breath control to expand the piece, and use traditional wooden tools to shape beautiful glass art you can take home as a unique souvenir.
Kitesurfing in Baja
If your idea of a perfect getaway involves water sports, look no further than the shores of Baja California Sur. About 45 minutes south of La Paz sits La Ventana, a small beach town that has grown into one of North America’s premier destinations to learn kitesurfing.
During the winter months, the El Norte winds create a playground of consistent breezes. For a fully immersive trip, some glamping resorts pair lessons from expert instructors with comfortable beach lodging. You’ll spend your days mastering wind theory, learning how to launch and control your kite, and finally glide across the blue waters of the Sea of Cortez.
We don't recommend filling your suitcase to the brim, and here's why
Travel with ease
"When in doubt, leave it out" and more golden rules for packing!
Packing can be a bit overwhelming, regardless of how much of an experienced traveller you are. Besides using packing cubes and the often-repeated rolling technique to pack clothes efficiently, there are other packing rules that don’t get much spotlight. Read them and see if you can apply them on your next trip!
Start a packing list early
Travelling starts way earlier than the actual plane or bus. It starts with all the planning behind it. Part of that planning is making a checklist of all the things you’ll need for it. A simple list on your phone works wonders. Whenever something pops into your mind, add it to the list. By the time packing day arrives, you will already have a clear guide and far less chance of forgetting something important.
If it’s a "maybe," it’s a "no"
Even if you've made a list, there’s always that item that makes you doubt. Do I take it or not? If you hesitate while packing something, there is a good chance you will never use it. The rule is simple: When in doubt, leave it out. Your suitcase will stay lighter and easier to manage.
Pick clothes that mix and match
The secret to packing light is versatility. Choose tops that work with several pairs of pants to get more outfit combinations without extra clothing. A small wardrobe that works together can stretch surprisingly far.
Wear the bulkiest outfit on travel day
If your boots or jacket take up a lot of space, wear them on the plane. This simple trick frees up room in your bag and keeps your luggage lighter. Of course, this rule applies to comfortable clothing only; high-heeled boots or a leather jacket may not apply. But that bulky sweatshirt that may also save you on cold nights? That’s the item you want to travel with.
Include at least one outfit for a rainy day
Even the sunniest destinations can surprise you. A compact rain jacket or a small umbrella can save the day if the skies open up. Waterproof or water-resistant shoes are also worth considering. Walking all day in soggy socks is not a highlight of any vacation.
Pack to dress in layers
Depending on your destination and the time of the year, take this into account. The weather can change quickly, so instead of packing only summer clothes or one big coat, bring a few items you can layer. A light sweater, a cardigan, and a simple jacket give you options without taking up too much room.
Don’t fill your suitcase completely
Here’s a controversial one, but it’s a game-changer. It is tempting to pack every inch of space before leaving home. Try to resist that urge. If you’ve travelled enough, you know that when it’s time to pack everything to go home, there never seems to be enough space in the same suitcase you packed a week ago. A little extra room makes it easier to repack later and gives you space for a souvenir or two along the way.
Pack a few Ziploc bags
Reusable bags and small zip bags come in handy more often than you might expect. They work well for laundry, wet swimsuits, groceries from a local market, or organizing small items in your suitcase.
Bring an E-reader instead of books
If you enjoy reading on vacation, an e-reader like a Kindle is a wonderful travel choice. It weighs almost nothing and can hold dozens of books. That means you can switch between mysteries, memoirs, and travel guides without carrying a stack of paperbacks in your bag.
Know the rules ahead of time.
Airlines and airports each have their own guidelines about luggage size, liquids, and security checks. There’s no point in packing that bottle of face cream if they’ll take it away later. A quick look at the rules (especially the handbag or cabin luggage ones) before leaving home can help you avoid surprises at the airport and start your trip on a smoother note.
Keep wandering
There’s always
more to explore
Landmarks
The Empire State Building has more secrets than you'd think
3 min.
Read Now
The 10 most American dishes that reveal the nation’s roots
5 min.
Read Now
Culture
Harmless-looking moves that can land tourists in trouble
5 min.
Read Now
Why do these 10 countries ban street shoes indoors?
4 min.
Read Now